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Amazon Invests in X-Energy to Support Advanced Small Modular Nuclear Reactors and Expand Carbon-Free Power

Investment solidifies X-energy’s leading role in commercializing SMR technology to revolutionize the nuclear industry.

ROCKVILLE, Md., October 16, 2024 – X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC (“X-energy”), a leader in advanced nuclear reactor and fuel technology, today announced a Series C-1 financing round of approximately $500 million, anchored by Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”).  The investment will help meet growing energy demands by funding the completion of X-energy’s reactor design and licensing as well as the first phase of its TRISO-X fuel fabrication facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Additionally, the funding will support future carbon-free projects that will use X-energy’s Xe-100 advanced small modular nuclear reactors (“SMRs”). Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin, affiliates of Ares Management Corporation (“Ares”), NGP, and the University of Michigan join Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund in the financing round.

Amazon and X-energy are also collaborating to bring more than 5 gigawatts of new power projects online across the United States by 2039, representing the largest commercial deployment target of SMRs to date. The efforts will help meet growing energy demands in key locations through direct project investments and long-term power purchase agreements to help power Amazon operations. Further, X-energy and Amazon plan to establish and standardize a deployment and financing model to develop projects in partnership with infrastructure and utility partners.

The companies will initially support a four-unit 320-megawatt (“MW”) project with regional utility Energy Northwest in central Washington with the option to increase that project to 12 units and 960 MW. Amazon is immediately committing a direct investment in the Energy Northwest project to fund early development work that X-energy will perform.

“This collaboration between Amazon and X-energy is a significant step toward accelerating advanced nuclear technologies that can help us bring new sources of carbon-free energy to the grid cost-effectively and safely,” said Kevin Miller, Amazon’s Vice President of Global Data Centers. “We need smart solutions that can help us meet growing energy demands while also addressing climate change. X-energy’s technology will be integral in helping achieve this, and is an important step in Amazon’s work to achieve our Climate Pledge commitment to be net-zero by 2040.”

“Nuclear is an important source of clean and reliable power that our nation needs to meet the growing demand for energy,” said Ken Griffin, Founder and CEO of Citadel, whose affiliate is one of the lead investors in this round. “X-energy provides an impactful solution to a critical challenge – and the support Amazon, Dow, and other major corporations have provided underscores its potential and merit.”

“Amazon and X-energy are poised to define the future of advanced nuclear energy in the commercial marketplace,” said X-energy CEO J. Clay Sell. “To fully realize the opportunities available through artificial intelligence, we must bring clean, safe, and reliable electrons onto the grid with proven technologies that can scale and grow with demand. We deeply appreciate our earliest funders and collaborators, notably the U.S. Department of Energy and Dow Inc. With Amazon, Ken Griffin, and our other strategic investors, we are now uniquely suited to deliver on this transformative vision for the future of energy and tech.”

X-energy’s pioneering Xe-100 advanced small modular reactor and TRISO-X fuel are among the safest and most reliable clean energy technologies. Each reactor unit is engineered to provide 80 MW of electricity and is optimized in multi-unit plants ranging from 320 MW to 960 MW. The innovative and simplified modular design is road-shippable and intended to drive geographic scalability, accelerate construction timelines, and create more predictable and manageable construction costs. X-energy’s advanced reactor technology offers remarkable efficiency and resiliency to meet the requirements of energy-intensive data centers, allowing Amazon to align its growth and carbon-free energy goals. 

X-energy is developing its initial Xe-100 plant at Dow Inc.’s UCC Seadrift Operations manufacturing site on the Texas Gulf Coast. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (“DOE”) Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (“ARDP”), the project will be the first grid-scale advanced nuclear reactor deployed to serve an industrial site in North America, providing the site with zero-carbon emissions power and high-temperature steam. ARDP also supports X-energy’s first-in-the-nation commercial facility to exclusively manufacture TRISO fuel, which DOE calls “the most robust nuclear fuel on Earth.”

Additional Commentary
Kam Ghaffarian, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Chairman, X-energy

  • “The investments from Amazon, our Series C-1 funders, and valued partners like Dow and the U.S. Department of Energy underscore X-energy’s leadership in commercializing SMR technology and delivering the clean, safe, affordable, and reliable power our world needs now. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the dedication of the X-energy team and the essential energy solutions we’ve built. We remain focused on bringing our advanced reactor technology to market, enabling a future powered by sustainable, zero-carbon energy.” 

Allyson Satin, Partner, Ares

  • “Ares is proud to further strengthen its support for X-energy and the advancement of nuclear technologies as it enters this partnership and significantly accelerates its mission to support the transition to a lower-carbon economy. Through our work together over the last two years, we are confident in X-energy’s ability to capitalize on the rapidly increasing demand for scalable clean energy sources and drive long-term, sustainable value for its stakeholders.”

Maritza Liaw, Partner, NGP

  • “NGP recognizes the unique contribution of nuclear energy to reliable, carbon-free, baseload electricity and industrial heat. X-energy has a world-class team, well-tested reactor and fuel design, and committed collaborators in Dow and Amazon who are both leaders in their industries. We are proud to partner with X-energy to bring advanced nuclear energy to market.”

Erik Lundberg, Chief Investment Officer, University of Michigan

  • “The University of Michigan has been at the forefront of the energy transition, strategically investing in a diverse portfolio of sustainable and renewable energy and other climate solutions, including utility-scale solar, renewable fuels, and sustainable infrastructure. The U-M Investment Office is proud to partner with X-energy as part of its broader commitment to transitioning to a more sustainable economy. As part of its comprehensive approach to achieving a low-carbon future, the U-M Investment Office recognizes advanced nuclear technologies as a key component to its climate solutions investment strategy, reinforcing its commitment to long-term decarbonization goals.”

Advisors
Latham & Watkins LLP is acting as legal advisor to X-energy, and Moelis & Company is acting as exclusive financial advisor and placement agent. 

About X-energy 

X-Energy Reactor Company, LLC, is a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and fuel technology for clean energy generation that is redefining the nuclear energy industry through its development of safer and more efficient advanced small modular nuclear reactors and proprietary fuel to deliver reliable, zero-carbon and affordable energy to people around the world. X-energy’s simplified, modular, and intrinsically safe SMR design expands applications and markets for deployment of nuclear technology and drives enhanced safety, lower cost and faster construction timelines when compared with other SMRs and conventional nuclear. For more information, visit X-energy.com or connect on Twitter or LinkedIn. 

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Amazon strives to be Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company, Earth’s Best Employer, and Earth’s Safest Place to Work. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Career Choice, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, Alexa, Just Walk Out technology, Amazon Studios, and The Climate Pledge are some of the things pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit amazon.com/about and follow @AmazonNews.

BioHub Maryland opens new biopharma Workforce Training Center in Rockville

Maryland Tech Council Chairman, Brad Stewart, Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, and Maryland Tech Council CEO, Kelly Schulz stand before a ribbon and balloons at the grand opening of BioHub Maryland's training center
Maryland Tech Council Chairman, Brad Stewart, Maryland Lt. Governor, Aruna Miller, and Maryland Tch Council CEO, Kelly Schulz at the grand opening of BioHub Maryland training center in Rockville, Maryland. - Photo credit: BioHub Maryland

The new 8,200 SF skills training center equips workers to accelerate Maryland's Life Sciences industry

BioHub Maryland, an initiative to accelerate life sciences in the state, today officially opened a new state-of-the-art biopharmaceutical workforce training center at 9808 Medical Center Drive in Rockville. Maryland Lt. Governor Aruna Miller and Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joined life sciences industry leaders to open the training center on October 24.

Located in one of the nation’s top life sciences hubs, the 8,200-square-foot BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County unlocks career opportunities for Marylanders and builds the diverse and skilled workforce needed to advance Maryland’s global life sciences leadership.

The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County provides hands-on technical training to current life sciences workers, military Veterans and Marylanders who may not have college degrees in a multifunctional facility designed to simulate a real-world biopharma manufacturing setting.

Trainees gain skills such as aseptic techniques and manufacturing recombinant proteins, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies, and essential practices like Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP).

The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County is made possible through a $3 million investment by Montgomery County. Additionally, the Moore-Miller Administration has provided $1.25 million in operational and capital support to BioHub Maryland since taking office.

The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center is the only training center in the National Capital Region to feature globally trusted curricula from the National Institute of Bioprocessing Training and Research (NIBRT), an international leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing training and research.

BioHub Maryland is a skills-first workforce development initiative of the Maryland Tech Council (MTC), the state’s largest life sciences and technology trade association. Its mission is to accelerate the growth of the life sciences industry by expanding the state’s biopharma manufacturing talent pipeline. 

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich stated, “The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County is an exciting opportunity to create local jobs and expand our county’s life sciences leadership. Our investment enables job seekers of all educational backgrounds to gain in-demand biopharma skills in a cutting-edge training environment while providing employers the skilled workforce they need to advance the medical innovations that patients around the world depend on.”

Maryland Tech Council Chief Executive Officer Kelly Schulz stated, “The BioHub Maryland Training and Education Center at Montgomery County will set the standard for excellence in life science talent development. We are building the biopharma workforce of the future in Rockville and our doors are open to Marylanders of all educational backgrounds. We are grateful to Montgomery County for their leadership in making this training center possible, and to the Moore-Miller Administration for their critical operations support since taking office.”

Life sciences is a high-paying career option for job seekers who may not have college degrees. One out of every three life sciences job openings in Maryland does not require a Bachelor’s degree, and average annual life sciences incomes are 87% higher than those of other industries in Maryland.

Maryland hosts 2,700 life sciences companies and 54,000 industry workers and, as part of the BioHealth Capital Region, is ranked the nation’s #3 biopharma cluster. Montgomery County is a life sciences leader, hosting a dense concentration of companies, research institutions, and federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

 

About BioHub Maryland

BioHub Maryland is accelerating the life sciences industry for companies and career seekers to expand the state’s global innovation advantage. An award-winning initiative of the Maryland Tech Council, the largest technology and life sciences trade association in the state, BioHub Maryland helps residents of all backgrounds pursue rewarding careers in life sciences by offering skills training, career resources, and access to 1,200+ job openings in life sciences. BioHub Maryland also helps life sciences companies at every stage grow by showcasing their career opportunities, training the next generation of life sciences talent, and providing strategic resources for raising capital. Learn more at biohubmaryland.com

 

New Biohealth Hub set to advance biotechnology innovation and drive economic growth

Biohealth Hub co-founder, Bei Ma, addressing a seated crowd from a podium with a TV screen displaying the BioHealth Hub logo on the wall
Biohealth Hub co-founder, and REDI Vice Chair of the Board, Bei Ma, at the opening of BioHealth Hub at the Greencourt Innovation Center

Biohealth Hub will offer access to essential resources such as funding, talent, and state-of-the-art laboratory space.

Montgomery County, Md., Oct. 18 2024 – The opening of the Biohealth Hub @ Greencourt Innovation Center (“Biohealth Hub”) was celebrated with a special ceremony that brought together public officials, a diverse group of innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, community leaders, and stakeholders from Maryland’s life sciences and biotechnologies community. The event marked a significant milestone with the Biohealth Hub set to play a central role in advancing biotechnology innovation, and breakthroughs and driving economic growth.

Co-founder Bei Ma delivered the opening remarks, expressing her excitement about the hub’s launch and its mission to transform the life sciences landscape in the region. “It’s an honor to welcome you all to the opening of the Biohealth Hub,” said Ma. “Today’s opening is a significant step in powering the next generation of entrepreneurs who will shape the future of medicine. At Biohealth Hub, our mission is clear: to provide unparalleled access to the key resources that drive success—capital, talent, and state-of-the-art lab space.” She outlined the vision for the hub as the “easy button” for life sciences companies, facilitating seamless connections to funding, expertise, talent, and facilities to accelerate innovation.

Following Bei Ma’s remarks, Secretary of State, Susan Lee, congratulated the Biohealth Hub in its launching at Greencourt Innovation Center, where co-founders Stephany Yu and Bei Ma hosted an inspiring evening of innovation, collaboration, and celebration in the life sciences community.

Secretary Lee highlighted the crucial role that life sciences and biotechnologies play in Maryland’s economy and its growing reputation as a hub for scientific excellence. “Maryland’s biohealth industry is not just a vital part of our economy, but also a source of breakthroughs that will improve lives around the world. This new Hub will create an ecosystem where startups, researchers, and established companies can work side by side to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges of our time,” she continued. Secretary Lee concluded by expressing optimism about the future impact of the Biohealth Hub. “The journey of transforming ideas into life-changing solutions requires not only expertise but also an ecosystem that nurtures creativity and accelerates growth. With the launch of the Biohealth Hub, we are taking a significant step towards cultivating the next wave of biotech innovations, right here in Maryland.”

Maryland Montgomery County Executive, Marc Elrich, in his remarks, emphasized the strategic significance of the Biohealth Hub for the region’s economic development and the advancement of public health. “Montgomery County has long been a leader in life sciences, and today, with the opening of the Biohealth Hub, we’re adding another important piece to our ecosystem,” said Elrich, “with the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, and numerous biotech companies headquartered here, Montgomery County is already at the forefront of biomedical research and innovation. The Biohealth Hub will enhance our ability to attract and retain top talent and investment, further solidifying our place as a global leader in this sector.”

The event included a roundtable introduction session with representatives from government agencies, investors, life sciences companies, and professional service providers discussed the industry’s future, including:

  • Bill Tompkins, President and CEO – Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC)
  • Jean-luc Park, Senior Director of Social Impact Funds – Maryland TEDCO
  • Cindy Rivarde, CEO – Rockville Econiomic Development Inc. (REDI)
  • Richelle Wilson, Deputy Director – REDI
  • Marji Graf, President & CEO – Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce
  • John Mumm, President & CEO – Deka Biosciences
  • Pavel Khrimian, Co-founder & CBO – Deka Biosciences
  • Roger Nakazawa, Olympia Holdings
  • Vijay Lakshman, Brilliant Inc.
  • Daozhan Yu, President and CEO –  AAVnerGene
  • Anthony Millin, Next Chair, Partner – Shulman Rogers
  • Jimmy Lu, Founder – Neomics
  • Randy Xu, Co-founder and CSO – ARV Technologies

Biohealth Hub is now positioned as a central hub for Maryland’s biotechnology ecosystem, catalyzing collaboration, research, and commercialization efforts. With its unique approach and strategic location at the Greencourt Innovation Center, the hub is set to attract top talent, investment, and cutting-edge research to the region.

 

About Biohealth Hub

The Biohealth Hub @ Greencourt Innovation Center is a premier innovation space dedicated to advancing life sciences and biotechnology in Maryland. The hub offers a collaborative environment where startups, researchers, and investors come together to foster growth in life sciences, biotechnologies, medical devices, and digital health. Learn more at https://biohealthhub.net/

Visit Montgomery announces launch of MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase

The new initiative will bring the food & beverage industry and its suppliers together, and includes opportunities for both businesses and consumers to connect

Rockville, MD, Oct. 9, 2024 – Visit Montgomery is pleased to announce the launch of the MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase scheduled for March 30 & 31, 2025, at the Hilton Rockville, Maryland.

Montgomery County, Maryland, is home to a robust hospitality and tourism sector, serving as a major workforce hub and think tank for the industry. Global leaders such as Marriott International, Ritz Carlton, Choice Hotels International, Inc., and Sodexo all have their headquarters in the county. Montgomery County has over 900 restaurants, 30,000 small businesses, and over one million residents of culturally diverse backgrounds.

“Montgomery County has always been a place where innovation and culture come together, and the MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase is a perfect example of that,” said County Executive Marc Elrich “This event not only celebrates our diverse food scene, but it will also support the local businesses that make our community thrive. I’m excited to see how this showcase will help drive our economy forward by spotlighting the talent and creativity that Montgomery County is known for.”

Visit Montgomery through this new initiative; MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase will provide an opportunity for business and consumer connections. The event will bring the food & beverage industry and its suppliers together to learn more about new products, and participate in panel discussions and other educational breakout sessions. The conference agenda will include breakout sessions on topics relative to the needs of the industry, student-to-business open forums, and exchanges and opportunities for peer-to-peer discussions. Attendees will be invited to enjoy food and beverage tastings, learn more about local and regional products, and purchase items.

“The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase not only celebrates our county’s cultural diversity through food but also strengthens our commitment to education and workforce development,” said Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County Council President. “By partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College’s hospitality programs, this event provides students with hands-on experience and direct exposure to industry leaders. It’s an exciting opportunity to foster the next generation of culinary talent.”

Montgomery College and Montgomery County Public Schools hospitality program students will have a chance to help as volunteers, and participate in breakout sessions and cooking demonstrations. Visit Montgomery is also collaborating with the MoCo Food Council and the Restaurant Association of Maryland for the Showcase.

Invited vendors include food trucks, caterers, breweries, wineries, distilleries, locally made artisans and food products, event venues, and any suppliers to the hospitality industry businesses in Montgomery County, MD. The goal of the showcase is to:

  1. Engage the hospitality industry suppliers in a business expo format with the local entertainment venues, event venues, hotels, retailers, breweries and wineries, and restaurant operators/owners to connect their business and workforce needs with solutions in a trade show and educational format.
  2. Promote the county’s social economy by introducing and showcasing local flavor and entrepreneurial spirit in a consumer-attended expo that celebrates Montgomery County’s diversity through cuisine and beverage tastings (food trucks, restaurants, wineries, and breweries).

“By bringing together industry leaders, local businesses, and our community, this showcase highlights the exceptional talent in our region and reinforces Montgomery County’s position as a premier destination for culinary innovation. We are proud to lead this initiative that will shape the future of our hospitality sector,” said Kelly Groff, President & CEO of Visit Montgomery.

Join this exciting celebration of Montgomery County’s hospitality industry. Keep up to date for more information at MoCoEats.com.

Sign up to be notified when vendor registration is open.

Sign up to be notified when attendee ticket sales are open.

For sponsorship information, click here.

For more information about the event and to RSVP, please email Joe Doran, Community Engagement and Partnership Manager, jdoran@visitmontgomery.com.

 

About Visit Montgomery

Visit Montgomery’s mission is to market and develop the county and its communities as a preferred destination for group and individual travel, thereby fostering economic growth and quality of place through tourism. Visit Montgomery is a 501 (c) 6 non-profit organization with an oversight by a volunteer board of directors. Learn more at visitmontgomery.com

MilliporeSigma opens new €290 million biosafety testing facility in Rockville

Woman dressed in personal protective gear seated at a lab bench with a pipette
Image credit: MilliporeSigma

The new €290 million ($317 million) 23,000 SF facility streamlines MilliporeSigma's operations and is expected to bring new jobs to Rockville

Burlington, MA, Oct. 9, 2024 – MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has opened its new €290 million biosafety testing facility in Rockville, Maryland, USA. Biosafety testing and analytical development are fundamental components of drug development and commercialization for traditional and novel modalities. Global demand for these services is growing at a double-digit rate1.

“This expansion is the largest investment in contract testing in the company’s history and will allow us to drive automation and technology development in one integrated hub,” said Benjamin Hein, Head of Life Science Services, Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “It reflects our commitment to providing our clients with disruptive platforms that shorten biosafety testing timelines, meet the growing global demand, and ensure the safety of the world’s medicines for patients.”

The 23,000-square-meter facility will house biosafety testing, analytical development, and cell banking manufacturing services. It consolidates labs currently spread across four buildings into a single facility. This will increase collaboration between scientists and enable a higher level of automation and digitalization to increase Right First Time (RFT).

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has made significant investments over the last five years to expand its biosafety testing capabilities for clients across the globe. The company’s global biosafety testing network includes sites in Shanghai, China; Singapore; Stirling and Glasgow, UK; and Rockville, MD, USA.

The new site will feature advanced testing capabilities, including a rapid methods package, designed to accelerate virus testing of bulk harvest material.  This package is the first to include the Blazar® CHO Animal Origin Free (AOF) panel, a targeted molecular method for detecting virus families. By combining the Blazar® CHO AOF panel with assays for mycoplasma, sterility, and retrovirus-like particle detection, test results can be obtained in just 14 days, compared to 35 days with traditional assay methods.

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, offers a broad multi-modality testing portfolio, which features disruptive platforms that reduce biosafety testing timelines and deliver the highest quality standards. The portfolio includes a rapid methods package with the Blazar® CHO AOF panel, and the recently launched Aptegra™ platform, the first all-in-one, validated genetic stability assay of its kind. These innovations will enable the company to continue delivering high-quality testing services and regulatory expertise to bring life-changing medicines to patients more quickly and safely.

About the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

The Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has more than 27,000 employees and more than 55 total manufacturing and testing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products focused on scientific discovery, biomanufacturing and testing services. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, operates across healthcare, life science and electronics.

Around 63,000 employees work to make a positive difference to millions of people’s lives every day by creating more joyful and sustainable ways to live. From providing products and services that accelerate drug development and manufacturing as well as discovering unique ways to treat the most challenging diseases to enabling the intelligence of devices – the company is everywhere. In 2023, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of € 21 billion in 65 countries. Learn more at https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en

1 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/biological-safety-testing-market

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Link to press release:  https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/collections/press/new-biosafety-facility-rockville-md


Rockville named No. 1 Small City in Maryland

Photograph of a street intersection in Rockville Town Square flanked by multi-story buildings

WalletHub's 2024 study compared more than 1,300 U.S. cities with populations between 25,000 and 100,000

Article originally published by Rockville Reports on October 2, 2024

Rockville has been named the best small city for livability in Maryland, according to WalletHub rankings released this week.

WalletHub compared 1,318 cities in the U.S. across five key dimensions: affordability, economic health, education and health, quality of life, and safety. Those five dimensions were further evaluated through 45 relevant metrics, each on a 100-point scale, such as median household income, home ownership, school system quality, health, crime rates and quality of life.

In all, 37 towns and cities in Maryland were ranked, of which the top five by percentile score were Rockville, Annapolis, Frederick, Bethesda and Ellicott City.

Cities were selected with population sizes between 25,000 and 100,000 that are considered the “city proper” in each case, excluding cities in the surrounding metro area.

Rockville has ranked highly in previous WalletHub and other studies for its ethnic diversity and livability, as well as by its own residents in biennial community surveys the city conducts.

Read about the study on WalletHub’s website.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month: Celebrating Rockville’s Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrating the vibrant culture and contributions of our Hispanic and Latino community

September 15 to October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month – a time to honor and celebrate the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, REDI is highlighting Latino and Hispanic-owned businesses in our local economy while also connecting them to resources that support growth:

Business NameCategoryAddressWebsite
MasPanadas/Latin Goodness Food Manufacturing14672 Southlawn Ln Suite B, Rockville, MD 20850https://maspanadas.com
M Luis ConstructionConstruction14811 Southlawn Lane, Rockville, MD 20850https://www.mluisconstruction.com
Nature by TrejokRetail - Clothing130 Gibbs St UNIT B, Rockville, MD 20850https://naturebytrejok.com
Plaza OaxacaRestaurant41 Gibbs St #305, Rockville, MD 20850https://www.plazaoaxacamd.com/
Kumbia RestaurantRestaurant100 B Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850https://kumbiarestaurant.com
La CanelaRestaurant141 Gibbs St D, Rockville, MD 20850https://lacanelaperu.com/
El Mercat Bar de TapasRestaurant101 Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850https://www.elmercatbardetapas.com
Twin Valley DistillersDistillery1029 E Gude Dr Suite 105 & 105B, Rockville, MD 20850https://twinvalleyd.com
Mayorga OrganicsFood Manufacturing1029 E Gude Dr, Rockville, MD 20850https://mayorgacoffee.com
Dowtown Brew's Restaurant5751 Fishers Ln, Rockville, MD 20852https://dtbrews.com
Dini's Divine PiesBakery11612 Boiling Brook Pl, Rockville, MD 20852https://dinisdivinepies.com
Hammer & Stain - RockvilleArt Studio107B Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850https://www.hammerandstainrockville.com
Al CarbonRestaurant200 Park Rd, Rockville, MD 20850https://alcarbonrockville.com
El Mariachi RestaurantRestaurant765 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852https://elmariachirockville.com
La Limena RestaurantRestaurant1093 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852https://www.facebook.com/lalimenagrill
We encourage and appreciate the submission of additional Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses in Rockville!

REDI in partnership with 37 Oaks pilots a Small Scale Manufacturing Cohort

The cohort program curriculum includes 37 Oaks University courses, hands-on exercises, workshops, 1:1 coaching, and the 37 Oaks' Growth Lab

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), in partnership with 37 Oaks, is hosting a Small Scale Manufacturing Cohort, for a  comprehensive, four-month course designed to help owners scale their product-based business. The program is design for early stage businesses that have operated for at least 3 years in the State of Maryland. By partnering with 37 Oaks, the  pilot program is designed help small businesses enhance operational efficiency for upcoming holiday sales and strategic planning for 2025.

Participants will engage in weekly live virtual webinars, 1:1 coaching sessions with experts in retail, commerce, and distribution, and access to the Growth Lab Membership which offers continued support through additional courses, coaching and community engagement. The program’s pilot cohort will be limited to ten (10) small businesses.

The Small Scale Manufacturing Cohort curriculum includes:

  • Assortment Planning
  • Retail Math
  • E-Commerce Marketing Strategy
  • Turning Social Media into a Money-Making Machine
  • Annual Planning Workshop

The four-month program begins with an orientation  October 2, 2024. Applications for participation in the programs are accepted until September 16, 2024.

Montgomery College maintains top 10 rank on 2024 Best U.S. Community College report; leads State of Maryland rankings

Photo of a large silver lettered 'Montgomery College' sign outdoors
Image credit: Montgomery College

WalletHub's 2024 rankings named Montgomery College the top two-year school in Maryland

Montgomery College has once again secured its place among the nation’s leading community colleges, maintaining its position in the top 10 of WalletHub’s 2024 Best Community Colleges in the United States report. This accolade highlights Montgomery College’s ongoing commitment to offering affordable pathways to quality higher-education.

Maryland’s community college system ranked 1st in WalletHub’s 2024 report of state systems, moving up two spots from its rank in 2023.

WalletHub’s Best and Worst Community College report is a comprehensive evaluation of over 650 community colleges across the country. Per WalletHub, data from a wide array of sources, including the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, and Council for Community and Economic Research is analyzed to determine the best community colleges.

Colleges are scored across three key dimensions:

  1. Cost & Financing (33.33%): Factors include tuition fees, financial aid availability, and student loan default rates.

  2. Education Outcomes (33.33%): Metrics like graduation and retention rates, along with student-faculty ratios, measure academic performance.

  3. Career Outcomes (33.33%): This dimension assesses graduates’ earning potential, job placement rates, and overall return on investment.

View the 2024 Best and Worst Community College list: https://wallethub.com/edu/e/best-worst-community-colleges/15076

 
About Montgomery College

Montgomery College is a public, fully accredited institution dedicated to student success and widely recognized for the quality and scope of its academic programs. MC has campuses in Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park/Silver Spring, plus training and community engagement centers, and off-site programs throughout the county. Learn more at https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/

 

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. announces Nancy Regelin as new Chair of Board of Directors

Nancy Regelin - Chair - Board of Directors, Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI)

Nancy's appointment as Chair follows her service as Vice Chair since 2020.

Rockville, Md., June 22, 2024 – Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nancy Regelin as the new Chair of the Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2024. Nancy has been a member of REDI’s Board since 2010, served as Vice Chair since 2020, and is the Chair of the Maryland Women’s Business Center Advisory Board. She succeeds Susan Prince, who led REDI’s Board since 2020.

Nancy Regelin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. As a Real Estate Law Shareholder at Shulman Rogers, Nancy is respected for her strategic thinking, effective communication, and adept management skills. She excels in implementing the vision of landowners, developers, and creative consultants, contributing to the creation of vibrant communities where people can live, work, and play. 

We are honored to welcome Nancy as our new Board Chair and look forward to benefiting from her continued vision and expertise,” stated REDI’s CEO, Cindy Rivarde.

Nancy has represented projects throughout Rockville, such as the Upper Rock District, but is most proud of her role in the public-private partnership to redevelop the Rockville Mall after its foreclosure in 1991 bringing back the heart of Town Center with new open space and a walkable street grid. Over the years since she has continued to be part of the teams to create entertainment, employment, and new housing opportunities for the community in Town Center.

“I have long considered Rockville as my adopted hometown and am honored to have the opportunity to serve to support economic development efforts so all of Rockville can prosper,” said REDI’s Board Chair, Nancy Regelin.

Nancy’s career began as a design engineer before she transitioned to law, where she has spent over three decades advancing innovative ideas, building consensus, and finding creative solutions to complex problems. She works to forge strong relationships with elected officials, community leaders, professional consultants, and other business owners.

In addition to her professional achievements, Nancy is the co-founder of The Power Conference, women’s business development event. Her commitment to supporting women-owned businesses underscores her passion for fostering economic growth and development.

 

About REDI

Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is a public-private partnership that helps businesses launch, locate, and expand in Rockville, Maryland. Committed to economic development, REDI is proactive in supporting existing industries and attracting new companies with the tools to get started in Rockville and resources and guidance for existing companies in the city. To learn more, visit: https://rockvilleredi.org/   

Media Contact: Amanda Bosland, Marketing & Communications Director, REDI – amanda@rockvilleredi.org

 

About Shulman Rogers

Shulman Rogers is a full-service law firm with offices across the Washington metropolitan region. With 112 attorneys, the firm provides sophisticated, comprehensive counsel for clients in many areas including real estate, corporate, litigation, start-up, intellectual property, M&A and employment law, as well as a host of personal services. Learn more at https://www.shulmanrogers.com/